Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Oman: A Descriptive Analysis

• Main Authors: AbdulAziz Al-Azri, Salma Al-Sheibani
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oman Medical Specialty Board 2015-05-01
• Series: Oman Medical Journal
• Subjects: Nasopharyngeal Cancer; Risk Factors; Population Distribution; Histopathology; Ethnicity; Incidence Studies; Prevalence Studies
• Online Access: http://www.omjournal.org/fultext_PDF.aspx?DetailsID=648&type=fultext

Objectives: We sought to analyze all cases of nasopharyngeal carcinomas (NPC) in Oman to determine the most common clinical presentation, whether it is associated with certain tribes in Oman, and its distribution in different regions of the country. We also looked at the histopathological diagnosis, treatment modality, recurrence, and metastasis. Methods: This retrospective chart analysis was performed using the data of all patients with NPC who presented to the Al Nahdha Hospital (the main tertiary hospital of head and neck surgery in Oman) from January 2003 until August 2011. Results: Twenty-six cases of NPC were included in the final study population. Muscat (the capital city of Oman) had the highest number of cases followed by the Ash Sharqiyah, Al-Batinah, and Dhofar regions. The largest number of cases were found in the Al-Balushi tribe. Cases had a bimodal distribution within two age groups (20–30 years and 50–60 years). Follow-up ranged between six months and seven years. Conclusion: Neck mass and nasal symptoms were the most common presentations of NPC in Oman. Further studies, with a larger sample size are required in order to support our results.